For the first time in a long time, Roger Federer is set to face a player with more major titles than him.
The first ever meeting of Roger Federer and Serena Williams is set to take place on New Year’s Day in Perth, and Federer is jazzed to have the opportunity to face a player with more Grand Slam titles than him for the first time in a long time.
"I think it's very exciting for both of us,” Federer said (full video above) after he defeated Cameron Norrie in men’s singles action on Saturday at the Hopman Cup, adding: “I hope that a lot of tennis fans are going to tune in and also watch it because it's gonna be one time and probably never again.”
Federer told reporters that he really doesn’t know Williams all that well despite the fact that the pair have been on tour for more than 20 years together. He says the both have busy lives, and rarely have time to sit down and do a deep dive into each other’s personal life.
But that fact has not deterred Federer’s admiration for his fellow legend.
“I admire everything she has done on and off the court. We can relate to one another now also being parents even more so. Besides the fact that we won a lot and we are both fierce competitors and we always want to win—we try our best.”
“She’s obviously one of the biggest champions ever in our sport—men and women combined—so it’s great to be playing against her.”
Before Federer and Williams lock horns on January 1st, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Greece will take a shot at Team USA on the lone New Year’s Eve tilt. Tsitsipas, like Federer, is looking forward to the experience of facing the legendary American.
“A great experience, I can’t say anything more,” the Greek said when asked to give his thoughts on facing Williams. “Playing against her would be a big lesson for me and for Maria [Tsitsipas’ teammate Maria Sakkari] as well. I’ll try to play my best game because it would be great to get a win against her.”
